On 06/15/10, at approximately 6:30 a.m., Naugatuck Police, Fire, EMS
and State Police received calls reporting that the Salem Bridge in Naugatuck
that was under construction has collapsed and one worker had been injured.

All emergency services responded. The injured worker was rescued and
transported by ambulance to Waterbury Hospital where he was stabilized but
listed in critical condition. The injured worker was then airlifted to Yale-New
Haven Hospital. The injured worker is identified as Anthony Mariano
DOB:  5/21/51 a resident of Middlebury, Ct.       

The area below the collapsed section of the bridge was secured by
police and fire emergency responders.  The newly-renovated side of the bridge

was also closed by Naugatuck police to all traffic pending an examination by

DOT Officials.  State Police Detectives assigned to the Office of State Fire

Marshal, the crane inspector and OSHA all have responded to the scene to

conduct an investigation into this incident.  Both agencies will work with and

be assisted by Naugatuck Police and Fire Departments.

Preliminary investigation by State Police Detectives determined that
prior to the collapse of the bridge, the operator of the excavating machine on
the bridge had concerns.  The operator cleared the bridge of all co-workers and
also reported his concern to his superior. The operator was preparing to remove
the machine when the bridge collapsed.  The operator’s identity is being withheld
to allow for family notification. 

This investigation is expected to be lengthy as there are several steps
that will need to be taken by investigators.  The entire scene will have to be
mapped and measured. The bridge will also be disassembled and examined as
investigators attempt to answer all questions as to exactly what took place to
cause this collapse.  The entire area beneath the bridge will be closed to the
public for safety reasons as this investigation continues.  

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